Our analysis of TNPCB official’s organisational structure, leadership dynamics, and operational capacity from 2017-2022 has been highlighted in DT Next. For a detailed understanding, we invite you to read the full report at bit.ly/TNPCBstatus.
In a recent circular , TANGEDCO allows consumers to procure meters from empanelled vendors for effecting new connections. Consumer organisations are concerned this could be a long term arrangement that could potentially burden consumers. K. Vishnu Mohan Rao, senior researcher at CAG, also points out that under such an arrangement, meter testing facilities could need additional manpower to ensure that testing times do not lead to delays for the consumer.
Released on February 20th, 2024, CAG's report, Fair Fares- towards gender inclusive public transport, analyses the impact of Tamil Nadu's free bus transport for women scheme.
Mr. Alby John, IAS, Managing Director of the MTC, speaking at the launch of CAG's report analysing TN's free bus scheme for women, mentioned several anticipated improvements to Chennai's bus fleet including an automated fare collection system, installation of high quality GPS on all buses, and a new passenger information app.
An article discussing findings from the CAG study which revealed that a significant majority of consumers knew of the single-use plastics ban. However, poor enforecement and therefore easy availability of SUPs lead to a reliance on plastics.
Sumana Narayanan, CAG, comments on the fewer new car registrations in the State that it does not mean fewer new cars on the road. If discouraging private transport, and easing congestion is what the government aims to achieve, it needs to be done through strengthening the public transport network.
Bids have been invited for the procurement of modern passenger information systems in seven State Transport Undertakings (STU). Sumana, CAG, acknowledges that this is a good move but called for such a system to ensure information is communicated through various modes and not just focussed on the technologically-savvy citizen. In addition, information should be updated in real-time. A CAG study established that passengers generally find public transport information through official mediums difficult to access, and not always reliable.
Climate Action Month has been envisioned as a space for multi-stakeholder engagements on the critical topic of climate change. With an array of events across Chennai, the event reached out to wide cross sections of Chennai-ites through popular mediums of comedy, music, and technical engagements.
The Smart Urban Roads project under the Chennai City Partnership Programme does not align with crucial mobility targets.It prioritises motorised transport, and for the most part, sidelines walking, cycling and public transit. Sumana, CAG, comments that if done right, this is an excellent opportunity for the city to meet the livelihood and mobility needs of its people.
An article that explains Tamil Nadu's road safety policy and its lack of clarity with regards to implementation and resource allocation, based on CAG's qualitative comparative analysis on road safety policies from different states across the country.